Let's explore, for purpose of conjecture, the possible contours of what might be called "Putin's Middle East." Russia's leader, in power now for 20 years, increasingly devotes his energies to the rarified realm of foreign affairs, not to the muddy ruts of domestic policy.
For Vladimir Putin, the Middle East, not so very far from Russia's borders, is and always will be a core national interest.
Soft power is for softies: Putin is interested in the brute instruments of military power-just like his hero, Peter the Great, who founded Russia's navy and made its army, a rag-tag collection of villagers, into a professional fighting force.
Putin now may look to expand Russia's military assistance to potential allies in the region, beyond Syria.
A second principle for Putin's Middle East is the tending of wide-ranging diplomatic relationships.
Of course, Putin is not yet the undisputed King of the Middle East.
The Middle East could be Putin's defining proving ground for Russian triumph-or, as often enough for America, bitter disappointment.
https://www.city-journal.org/russia-putin-middle-east
For Vladimir Putin, the Middle East, not so very far from Russia's borders, is and always will be a core national interest.
Soft power is for softies: Putin is interested in the brute instruments of military power-just like his hero, Peter the Great, who founded Russia's navy and made its army, a rag-tag collection of villagers, into a professional fighting force.
Putin now may look to expand Russia's military assistance to potential allies in the region, beyond Syria.
A second principle for Putin's Middle East is the tending of wide-ranging diplomatic relationships.
Of course, Putin is not yet the undisputed King of the Middle East.
The Middle East could be Putin's defining proving ground for Russian triumph-or, as often enough for America, bitter disappointment.
https://www.city-journal.org/russia-putin-middle-east
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